Val thorens is the highest resort in the French alps (with a base height of 2300m) meaning that good snow Is almost guaranteedthroughout the winter months. This is particularly at the start of the season where some resorts are left without snow for weeks after they plan to officially open. Unfortunately this height seems to brought about one of the ugliest piece of piste-side architecture we have seen in the form of a block of flats (you’ll know when you see it!). The newer developments have, however, managed to improve the aesthetics to some degree, particularly further up the mountain.
This ‘guaranteed ‘ snow has had another side effect in creating a very cosmopolitan feel around the village with over 70% of the visitors being made up from non French nationals. The village itself is all hustle and bustle with plenty of things always going on. The resort has managed to retain some of it s original small resort charm.
The skiing itself is very varied, especially if you purchase the 3 valleys pass which gives you access to the neighbouring resorts such as Merible and Courcheval. There are 68 marked runs and plenty of off piste areas to explore. For the more extreme skiers/boarders there are a total of 5 terrain parks so you can flip, grind and spin to your heart’s content.
The resort can work out to be a rather pricey destination especially with the strong Euro and the ‘guaranteed snow’ factor with hotels working out at around £90- £150 a night after already paying nearly £50 for a days pass.
So, overall, if you only go skiing once a year and need to guarantee good and plentiful snow then this is the place to come. It is , however, a little bit on the expensive side and perhaps a bit too busy, particularly for older visitors.
Price: ££££ Difficulty: medium Website: www.valthorens.com
Outdoorscenesters